- On page 44 Mitford states that “In an era when huge television audiences watch surgical operations in the comfort of their living rooms, when, thanks to the animated cartoon, the geography of the digestive system has become familiar territory even to the nursery-school set, in the land where the satisfaction of curiosity about almost all matters is a national past-time, sure the secrecy surrounding embalming cannot be attributed to the inherent gruesomeness of the subject” (Mitford 2000). I believe the authors claim a fact here. I agree with this because when comparing now to back then, everything that was kept a secret to the public are all open to us now. Although most of us wont stand in the same room as an operation but we’re okay with seeing it done to people we don’t know on tv or even books.
- On page 47 Mitford states “the object of all this attention to the corpse, it must be remembered, is to make it presentable for viewing in an attitude of healthy repose.” “Our customs require the presentation of our dead in the semblance of normality” (Mitford 2000). I think he authors claim here is value. I agree with this because how the corpse looks in the casket will be the last time time you see that person. So seeing in the in a sort of normal state comfort us in a way.
- On page 51 Mitford states “at graveside, the casket is lowered into the earth. This office, once the prerogative of friends of the deceased, performed by a patented mechanical lowering device. A “Lifetime Green” artificial grass mat is at the ready to conceal the sere earth, and overhead, to conceal the sky, is a portable Steril Chapel Tent” (Mitford 2000). I believe the authors claim here is providing facts. I agree with this because every funeral I have been to in my entire life has been that same exact scenery as described by the author. The Life Green artificial grass is super green and does not seem like it changes at all. The tent is always present.
- On page 52 Mitford states “the use of improper terminology by anyone affiliated with a mortuary should be strictly forbidden, declares Edward A. Martin. He suggest a rather thorough overhauling of the language; his deathless words include: “service, not funeral; Mr., Mrs,….” (Mitford 2000). The authors claim here is the policies. I don’t agree nor disagree with this because I feel like there is more to worry about. But I do understand that it is their job and they have a level of professionalism that is has to be presented.
